What Drives a Startup Founder?

Yeah, I found The Social Network very inspiring as well, on multiple levels. I'd like the opportunity to work with a team like that, where everybody is really on the same page, motivated, and sharing a vision. Most of the corporate-drone jobs I've had have been anything but that. More like "the land of lost souls" where everybody is shuffling around trying to do as little as possible while not getting fired, and avoiding their micromanaging PHB.

I can't say that money and status and all that stuff isn't a strong motivation as well though. The idea of founding a company, and having it break big, then cashing out (either through an acquisition, IPO, whatever) is awfully alluring.

For me, it's a combination of A. wanting more freedom (and by implication, responsibility), B. wanting to work with an awesome team on something cool, and C. wanting a crack at one day making "FU money."

Unfortunately I haven't gotten very far yet with finding other like minded people to get involved with my current project; but I remain hopeful.

For many founders, is there really an other option?

I think some people simply aren't meant to be working for someone else.

Just admit you're doing it for the chicks!

The hardest part of being a motivated founder of a start-up is finding equally motivated people to work with.

You can have a great idea, money and desire but its very hard to get the motivation-train moving if you cant find people that share the passion. Also finding a mentor to help guide you is turning out to be difficult.

I am currently having a very hard time getting connected with well versed programmers for our company. Its driving me nuts. We are the guys like the ones in The Social Network?

The ever present threat of having to work at a big company...again.